Dubai-based developer and retail and leisure operator Majid Al Futtaim officially opened the second mall under the ‘My City Centre’ brand after My City Centre Nasseriya, as part of its strategy to cater to the daily shopping and service needs of the more than 40,000 residents anticipated in the Al Barsha area by 2017.

Built with an investment of AED57 million ($16 million) My City Centre Al Barsha, located in Dubai Science Park, is the group’s 20th mall and developed as a neighbourhood retail concept tailored to growing residential communities within the region.

Having committed in June 2016 to increase its total investment in the UAE by AED30 billion ($8.2 billion) by 2026, taking its total investment in the country to AED48 billion ($13 billion), Majid Al Futtaim plans to continue developing ‘right-sized’ malls in key neighbourhoods to deliver accessible, convenient supermarket, lifestyle and F&B choices on the doorsteps of regional residents.

The mall will be anchored by a 12,772 sqft Carrefour Market – taking the tally of the Carrefour Market concept to 33 in the UAE and a total of 55 Carrefour stores in the country – offering a wide range of products including a diverse selection of organic and locally sourced food products.

My City Centre Al Barsha’s mix of retail and dining outlets has been carefully considered to benefit the largely Emirati communities in Al Barsha South as well as the diversity of residents in Villa Lantana and the Arjan mixed-use development. The new mall features City Centre Clinic, Majid Al Futtaim’s third UAE wellness destination addressing the primary healthcare needs of the community; dining options such as McDonalds, Shakespeare & Co, Tim Hortons and Papa Murphy’s, with seating for alfresco dining, as well as lifestyle brands including Aldo Accessories, Sketchers, Arabian Oud, Inglot, Al Rifai and Jacky’s.

“Community malls are a key element of Majid Al Futtaim’s development strategy as our research has shown that regional residents are keen to have shopping, dining and services within easy reach of their neighbourhood. My City Centre Al Barsha is Majid Al Futtaim’s second location set to meet customers’ needs through a community mall; we continue to seek new opportunities in high-growth residential locations such as Al Barsha, as part of the company’s stated regional investment strategy,” says Kim McInnes, CEO, Majid Al Futtaim Properties’ shopping malls business unit.

Consideration for the customer journey – especially ease and accessibility – has been a core consideration in the design of My City Centre Barsha. Shaded parking for more than 118 vehicles leads to a community mall with fresh, contemporary design, an easily-navigated retail area and sustainable features including energy- and water-efficient facilities.

“With a strategic mix of retail, F&B and essential services, My City Centre Al Barsha is an ideal shopping destination to meet the needs of the tens of thousands of residents who will populate this wider geography by 2017,” adds Maryam Ahli, mall manager, Majid Al Futtaim, “Part of Majid Al Futtaim’s commitment to delivering great moments to everyone, every day, is a fundamental understanding that neighbourhoods require ‘right-sized’ and convenient, accessible shopping malls for the daily requirements of nearby residents and professionals – My City Centre Al Barsha is well-positioned to address this opportunity.”